'The Walking Dead' Norman Reedus Spin-Off Series Has A New Showrunner

The Norman Reedus spin-off series has a new showrunner.

“The Walking Dead” showrunner Angela Kang was supposed to be at the helm of the new currently-untitled spin-off as well, but she has recently stepped aside to let longtime ER showrunner David Zabel take the reins, as per Deadline.

The series is expected to be released in 2023 but not much is known about the show for now. Melissa McBride, who was expected to reprise her role as Carol on the spin-off series, revealed that she had to step aside due to filming complications earlier this week.

On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter shared a statement by AMC, which stated, “Melissa McBride has given life to one of the most interesting, real, human and popular characters in The Walking Dead Universe. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to participate in the previously announced spinoff focused on the Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier characters, which will be set and filmed in Europe this summer and premiere next year.”

They continued, “Relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for Melissa at this time. We know fans will be disappointed by this news, but The Walking Dead Universe continues to grow and expand in interesting ways and we very much hope to see Carol again in the near future.”

The untitled spin-off series was first announced in September 2020, but no details about the filming location were announced at the time. McBride, 56, was against filming in Europe for undisclosed reasons. The show has been filming in Atlanta, Georgia, for over a decade. THR reports that sources close to the situation say that AMC is currently working with McBride to try to create other opportunities for Carol in “The Walking Dead” universe.

McBride was very enthusiastic about joining the fledgling spin-off series with Norman Reedus when it was announced in September 2020.

In a statement made at the time, she had said, “I’ve always enjoyed working so closely with Norman throughout these many seasons. In playing Carol, and as a viewer of the show, I’ve also long been intrigued with ‘Daryl and Carol,’ and by what so early on between them, even then, felt somehow bound.”

“Their shared history is long, and each’s own personal fight to survive, even longer — the more obvious aspect of what has kept them close and loyal,” she continued. “But there is also a rather mysterious aspect to their fondness for one another that I enjoy, and their playfulness when the world permits. I’m very curious! Angela has a way of shaking things up in great and unexpected ways. She’s like a kid playing with the dimmer switch! I’m very excited!”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Neegan on the show, defended Norman Reedus on Twitter from "toxic" fans of the show that blamed him for Melissa's departure. "Some of you have gone WAY too far. TOXIC," he tweeted. "Attacking norm for c--- he has NOTHING to do with? Melissa made a call that was hers alone. She wants/needs a break. Respect that. Factors involved that are nobody’s business. Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all. Just S------."

Another user chimed in to say, "Can’t say I’m surprised how quick people turn on someone they’ve claimed to be fans of for years. People suck. Even IF Norman decided to relocate to be with his fam, that’s totally understandable. They supported him in Georgia. I doubt any decisions were made lightly."

JDM saw the post and replied, "Norman had nothing to do with picking location. That decision is all about story, ideas… MONEY. That’s studio/network. Not actors. We can say yes and do, or no, and not do… MAYBE. SOMETIMES. If we’re lucky and don’t have contract yet. Rarely does actor have that power."

AMC also released a statement, saying that Norman Reedus was being "unfairly targeted and attacked in social media for a decision had no part in."

They continued, "Melissa McBride decided she could not participate in the series because relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for her. It is inappropriate to direct negativity and anger at another cast member for a disappointing outcome he had nothing to do with."

They concluded, "Carol is a beloved & vital character and we are working to find a way for fans to again follow her story, as only Melissa could give life to, in the expanding universe around The Walking Dead. The fans have always been the driving force behind #TWDFamily and always will be."